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Definition of oppositional

oppositional

/ˌɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən.əl/
op · po · si · tion · al
Adverb:oppositionally
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oppositional Lexical Profile

oppositional Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, characterized by, or expressing opposition, resistance, or contrast.

Example

"The two political parties remained locked in an oppositional stance throughout the legislative session."

2

Characterized by a persistent pattern of defiant, disobedient, or hostile behavior toward authority figures (especially in psychology and child development).

Example

"The school counselor worked closely with the parents to address the child's increasingly oppositional behavior in the classroom."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for oppositional

• Nearby Words

opposite
oppositely
opposition
oppositional
oppress
oppressed
oppression

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun opposition plus the suffix -al, ultimately deriving from Latin oppositio, meaning 'a setting against' (from opponere, 'to set against').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oppositional. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oppositional
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